Following his breakthrough performance at Monterey in June, 1967, Redding composed his most commercially successful song, “(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay” – composed in Sausalito houseboat – across from San Francisco. He recorded the song at Stax Records in Memphis on December 7th and two days later filmed this performance on the Cleveland television show “Upbeat.” Following the show, Redding and most of his back-up band boarded his plane to fly to the next gig in Madison, WI. Less than four miles from their destination, the plane crashed into Lake Monona, killing all aboard but one of the band members. The only survivor was trumpet player Ben Cauley (can be seen in the background of the ensemble). This would be the last performance of soul legend Otis Redding.
